Connecting With God And People

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

Have you ever had a special connection that got you preferential treatment? Everybody is trying to procure tickets to a sold-out concert, but you know the band manager who got you the best seats in the house. There were 50 applicants for the job, but your connections made sure your resume got first consideration.

Having a relationship with God is the ultimate connection. Would we not have the most amazing life if we started our days completely connected to the ultimate of all power sources? The connection that is always reliable, the one that is never subject to error, the one that can’t break down or become obsolete. The one source that can never be hacked, breached, or compromised! The highly functional, trustworthy, miraculous connection that will never fail.

Developing and maintaining a strong connection or relationship with God requires time, effort, and the desire for closeness. Just as a relationship with other people take work and devotion, so does a relationship with God. Putting forth that effort often leads to a greater sense of self-worth, inner peace, compassion, and love. Choosing to pursue this connection and keep it strong is something anyone can do to improve himself and his outlook on life.

Our relationship with God should define how we perceive those who God brings into our lives. The people we run across in every circumstance are also made in His image. They are also God’s masterpiece. They can also love Him, serve Him and live eternally with Him right alongside us. When we realize that everyone else can connect to God in the same deeply meaningful way we do, it should be easy to find reasons to deeply connect with them. Our desire for them to know God should encourage a relationship that is significant, selfless, and sacrificial.

The bottom line is this: God has time for each of us, patience for each of us, and genuinely loves us the same, so we should reciprocate that love in return. When we value people for who they are, we begin to see them as God does. When that becomes our default, our interactions with others will change. When we know the people in our lives are meant to be loved, served, and valued, we begin to see how God loves, serves, and values us.

God is building up His people by joining people together in meaningful relationships. God’s love and grace flow through real people in real relationships. Our role is to discern what we need to do to be open to those God-given connections with others.

Discussion Questions:

What does it mean to have a connection with God? With others?
What can we do this week to strengthen those connections with others?